Gary Numan

Numan's career had stalled somehow during the first run of his own record label, leading him to sign a deal with IRS for several albums -- a deal that would lead to frustrations galore for Numan, who found himself suddenly constrained by a record company's idea of what Gary Numan should be. This did not affect Numan immediately, mind you -- Metal Rhythm is an energetic return to form, with some great moments in songs such as "New Anger" and "America." The basic theme of the album is the rebirth of a pop star...alas, it would be downhill for a while after this. IRS took cuts from this and several prior albums and cobbled together the patchwork of New Anger, and the slide began in earnest. ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide